Theatre lovers have been highly anticipating the arrival of America’s famous Hamilton for five years.
It has recently been announced that the Australian cast will consist of a diverse group of actors, representing cultures and backgrounds worldwide.
The musical is set to premiere at Sydney’s Lyric Theatre in March of 2021. The cast will also include three performers of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander backgrounds.
These performers include Shaka Cook, Tainga Savage and Callan Purcell. Shaka Cook, from Pilbara, will be playing Hercules Mulligan. Tainga Savage, a Torres Strait Islander, will be in the ensemble alongside Callan Purcell, a Wiradjuri man.
Japanese, Jamaican, Samoan, Maori, South African, Egyptian, Filipino, Nigerian and Italian are just some of the other backgrounds that will be represented through the Australian cast.
Thomas Kail, the director, has emphasised the way this cast is one of many incredible parts of this production, stating that he is deeply impressed by the quality of the diverse candidates they have seen across Australia and New Zealand.
He continues, stating that he believes the exceptional talent of the Australian cast could rival both Broadway and the West End.
In August 2015, Hamilton premiered on Broadway in New York City, receiving wide critical acclaim.
The show, created by Lin-Manuel Miranda, has won Tony, Grammy, and Oliver Awards. It has even achieved the Pulitzer Prize for Drama.
This critically acclaimed musical is Lin-Manuel Miranda’s telling of the formation of the United States, with a focus on the life of founding father Alexander Hamilton, and the life he led before his death.
Lin-Manuel Miranda was heavily involved with the selection of Australia’s cast.
Jason Arrow to play Alexander Hamilton
Jason Arrow is set to star as the lead role in Lin-Manual Miranda’s Hamilton in Sydney’s 2021 production.
Known for his role in Australia’s production of Disney’s Aladdin, Jason Arrow will be playing Alexander Hamilton in the production of Hamilton.
Lin-Manual Miranda shares that this musical, coming together at a time when theatres are closed around the globe, is bringing together an exceptional ensemble to tell the fascinating story he wrote.
Lyndon Watts to play Aaron Burr
Originally played by Leslie Odom Jr., Lyndon Watts will be playing the role of Hamilton’s nemeses and the musical’s narrator, Aaron Burr.
Watts is known for playing the role of Bernando in Australia’s production of West Side Story and being an understudy in Aladdin.
Chloe Zuel to play Eliz Hamilton
Chloe Zuel, known for her performance of the national anthem at this year’s NRL grand finale, has been chosen to play the role of Eliza Hamilton, Alexander Hamilton’s wife.
One of the best features of this production is the doubling of roles for a few of the actors.
This means that some actors play two roles at different times in the storyline.
Peggy Schulyer and Maria Reynolds will be played by Elandra Eramiha.
Marquis de Lafayette and Thomas Jefferson will be played by Victory Ndukwe.
Starting as Hercules Mulligan, Shaka Cook will also be playing James Madison.
John Laurens and Philip Hamilton will be played by Marty Alix.
Andy Blankenbuehler, the choreographer for the production, has teased that there will be a lot of energy on the stage next year.
He continues, stating that they are going to push things to new heights through their Australian cast and with the help of the exciting company.
It has been announced that the show will premiere on Wednesday, March 17, 2021. Tickets are currently on sale.
